Argentina's World Cup victory ignites celebrations and safety incidents
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3‑1 after extra time in Kansas City, securing a place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. The win triggered massive celebrations across the country, with crowds gathering in Rosario’s Monumento a la Bandera, Río Gallegos, Santiago del Estero’s fan zone, and countless streets and plazas. Fans embraced the new anthem “La Cuarta Estrella,” which quickly became the soundtrack of the festivities, while memes and viral rituals spread on social media.
The celebrations also produced several safety incidents. In Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Ríos) a bar’s pergola collapsed, forcing a technical assessment; the municipal office said it would “iniciarán un relevamiento técnico para determinar la magnitud de los daños”. In San Francisco, Córdoba, a 20‑year‑old man was shot dead during the crowd, prompting a homicide investigation. Two deaths were reported in Buenos Aires — a 51‑year‑old man suffered a fatal heart attack while watching the match, and a young man was killed by gunfire in San Juan, where 18 people were also detained for minor offences. Authorities in the affected cities launched inquiries and deployed police forces to maintain order.
The national mood remains upbeat as the team prepares to face England in the semifinal in Atlanta, USA, on 15 July. The blend of jubilation and tragedy highlights both the passion and the challenges of mass public gatherings in Argentina.